Thanksgiving

I don’t know about you, but October flew by.  I guess that is a good thing.  We are now in the season of thanksgiving.  I am sure that everyone is trying to find things to be thankful for in this crazy year.  I want to share some of the things I am thankful for this year.  I had to think about this and really get before my Lord because that is where all the good in my life comes from.
I am thankful that the Lord has been patience with me for 60 years.
I am thankful that he gave me a wonderful wife 37 years ago, and my two children.
I am thankful that I got to talk, laugh, and see my mom on a conference the day before she went to be with the Lord.  I am most thankful that she knew the Lord.
I am thankful that I got to go on a fishing trip with my grandson on his 11th birthday.  I am most thankful for my grandson.
I am thankful that I got to spend time with my family putting our mom to rest.
I am thankful that I got to go RVing with a great brother and spent time with friends from out of state.
I am thankful I was used to teach at a men’s retreat.
I am thankful to be a part of God’s ministry to hurting youth.
I am Most thankful for our Lord Jesus and the sacrifice he made.
I am thankful for all these and many more things.  When everything around us seems to shout fear, hate, death, and confusion our God blesses.  I know that I may sound a little repetitive, but I need to be continually reminded of the great things God is doing in and through me.  No matter how big or small they may seem, they are all amazing and good.
My thankful list is much longer.  Just putting them to paper brings my heart to a place of Thanksgiving and joy.  It makes me want to be used by God to bless others.  It reminds me how much God loves me.  May I suggest sitting down and writing your list of blessing.  I am sure it will be far longer than you expected.  Share them with others. 
May the Love, Joy, Mercy, and Grace of the Lord be with you.

Andrew LaValley